MBBALL Joe Pridgen Appreciation Post

[StumptownGriz]

Can't think of many or any guys who have been transfers, let alone multi-transfers (3x) that from the moment they stepped into Dahlberg are Griz in the purest form. Joe Pridgen is an absolute pleasure to watch and in my opinion is the heart beat of this team. Its like a match made in heaven. Citay made a great post about all these transfers coming together and I think JP is the glue to that along with a masterful job by coach Decuire and staff. So glad Joe has already announced his return and I see him being a big part of the Missoula community moving forward. Guy is just the perfect fit. Go Griz!

 

[EverettGriz]

One word:

Baller.

 

[StumptownGriz]

Joe Pridgen was born a Griz. Just took him some time to figure it out.

 

[Grizzlies1982]

Absolutely love his linebacker mentality. Seems fearless despite whoever he's matched up with. On offense and on defense he takes it to them.

Really glad you're a Griz Mr. Pridgen!

 

[grizzlyjournal]

I have been similarly affected by Joe. At some point in January, I was impressed with his way of almost impulsively calling on-floor huddles during brief stops in game play and speaking intensely... like an on-floor coach. At other times, hugging any & all players on-court... often in small two-or-3 player groups in brief game stoppages. I was at first curious & thought I was going overboard. But then I saw him do the same during time outs in full-team huddles, where he'd include coaches in his huddles, especially coach DeCuire. I mean... I don't think I've ever seen a Griz player yank his head coach into huddles like Joe has done this year. It's hard to define how an on-court leader can bond a team together, but I've seen it often with past teams. Krystko, Mark Glass, Blaine Taylor, Scott Zanon, Kevin Criswell, J. R. Camel, Sayeed Pridget. Players who -- on court -- became an extension of the coaching staff. I'm unsure if I'm taking it too far... but I see Joe as naturally assuming that kind of "Griz All Star" team leader role. He will not let his team give up or get lax.

 

[citygriz]

Basketball is America’s ghetto game, where toughness, meanness, swagger are crucial, not only for playing basketball but surviving America’s mean streets. You don’t have to be from the ghetto but you better have a mean streak to your game because you’re going to be playing against kids with that mentality.

If you’ve ever watched a game at Rucker Park in New York, you’ll know what I mean

Pridgen’s got that kind of toughness. So did Krystkowiak. But I’ve always felt that Montana players for the most part are just too nice, reflecting the character of Montanans.

I hope we take it right to Wisconsin. I think they’re in for a surprise. And Pridgen’s the main reason.